Freitag, März 01, 2013

"Pyshka" (1934) By Mikhail Romm

During the
Franco-Prussian war, inside a small wagon, a group of people are travelling
through occupied France from Rouen to Havre on business.The little party includes a wine merchant and
a factory owner together with their wives, a count and a countess, two nuns and
an old bachelor; even war does not discourage these nine French patriots from
their journey.

Since they left
Rouen in a hurry at dawn there was no time for breakfast and without any
provisions for the trip, the travelers soon get hungry and cranky. They are
joined by Frau Elizabeth Rousset , known as "Boule-de-suif", who has
suffered an accident on the road with her cart.The wine merchant immediately recognizes her as a member of the world’s
oldest profession, a hussy as they call her.The travelers scorn her until she produces food enough for a week.That makes them quickly forget their prejudices.

They all stop at
a hotel to rest but a Prussian officer, who demands their papers, also
recognizes Frau Boule-de-suif and insists that she become his mistress.Since our heroine hates Prussians, she
refuses but the officer tells her the entourage will be not allowed to continue
on their journey unless she changes her mind.

“Pyshka”, was
the first film directed by Herr Mikhail Romm in the late year ( regarding
silent films ) of 1934; based on Herr Guy de Maupassant’s novel, the film is a
splendid and ironic portrait of how supposedly strong convictions can be
ignored or betrayed when other powerful earthy and selfish interests
appear.

It is a sharp
study about hypocrisy.Herr Romm
brilliantly shows these human contradictions and betrayed principles and
depicts in detailed close-ups the peculiar personalities of the different travelers
in their close quarters (a small wagon and a hotel).This is not a very easy task but it is
accomplished thanks to excellent actors, beautiful art direction and splendid
cinematography.The final irony is that
strong convictions like honor and patriotism can fall by the wayside when human
weaknesses such as hunger or greed rear their heads.. The travelers are
hypocrites in spite of their pious beliefs and only Frau Boul-de-suifis honest.She will suffer for her sincerity because her companions are pursuing
their own interests and will forget and despise her again once their aims have
been accomplished.

“Pyshka” is a
great film about hypocrisy and selfishness and a brilliant adaptation of Herr
Maupassant’s literary work thanks to Herr Romm and the brilliant
cinematography, ja wohl!.

And now, if
you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count
must join such peculiar frenchified little party.